Method and apparatus for automatically splicing film

ABSTRACT

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSINT THE PHOTOFINISHER IN SECURING TOGETHER, IN A CONTINUOUS MASTER ROLL, A PLURALITY OF FILM STRIPS FOR PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENTLY PROCESSING SAME. THE APPARATUS SEVERS THE TRAILING END OF A FIRST FILM STRIP OR LEADER PREVIOUSLY INTRODUCED THEREINTO, SEVERS THE LEADING END OF A SECOND FILM STRIP FOLLOWING ITS INTRODUCTION THEREINTO, PHOTOGRAPHICALLY CODES THAT SECOND FILM STRIP FOR READY IDENTIFICATION, AND SECURES THE ADJACENT ENDS OF THE TWO (FIRST AND SECOND) FILM STRIPS TOGETHER WITH AN INTERCONNECTING TAB TO FORM THE TWO FILMS AS INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE CONTINUOUS MASTER ROLL.

Aug. 15, 1972 KOEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM .9 Sheets- Sheet 1 Filed May 8, 1970 Y INVENTORS. PAUL J. KOEHLER BRUCE D. ALDO BY vimw vvzi @914 e CflMH/z (5 $4040:

ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 KQEHLER EIAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Filed May 8, 1970 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 v INVENTORS. PAUL J. KOEHLER BRUCE D. ALDO ATTORNEYS.

FIG. IB.

Aug. 15, 1972 P, KQEHLER EI'AL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Filed May 8, 1970 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS. PAUL J. vKOEHLER BRUCE D. ALDO BY @muwzZQoud Maia/z 5 m ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 P, KQEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Filed May 8, 1970 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG 4 INVENTORS. PAUL J. KOEHLER BRUCE D. ALDO ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 p, KOEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Filed May 8, 1970 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS. 5 PAUL .1. KOEHLER BRUCE a. ALDO BY :Qmuwzi @0146 mf ilhm ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 KQEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM Filed May 8, 1970 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS. PAUL J. KOEHLER BRUCE D. ALDO ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 J KOEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 8, 1970 FlG. IO.

INVENTORS. PAUL J. \KOEHLER BRUCE D.

ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 P. J. KOEHLER ETAL MI'I'I'IIOI) AND APPARATUS ("OH AUTOMA'IVIUAJJIIY SILlGING |"lJ1M F iled May 8, 1970 (9) (I0) (I I) (us) (as) (I7) 9 Sheets-Sheet B BRUCE o. ALDO M m ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 15, 1972 P. J. KOEHLER ETAL 3,684,623

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SPLICING FILM 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed May 8, 1970 v mmkm N mmkw R 5 n m O N TWA R N a d 1 m um 0mm United States Patent 3,684,623 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTO- MATICALLY SPLICING FILM Paul J. Koehler, West Gill Road, Gill, Mass. 01376, and Bruce D. Aldo, 6 Redwing Road, Enfield, Conn.

06082 Filed May 8, 1970, Ser. No. 35,760 Int. Cl. B65h 19/08; G03d 15/04 US. Cl. 156-504 5 Claims ABSTRACTOF THE DISCLOSURE The photofinisher normally removes a plurality of exposed films from their cartridges and manually secures them togethr to form a large master roll for the subsequent processing purpose. Therebecause, a large group of films may be processed at one time rather than to run each film individually through the processing equipment in what would obviously be a time-consuming, extremelyinefficient procedure.

The securement of the exposed films to each other so as to define a master roll obviously must be performed in the darkroom in order to prevent film spoilage through unwanted exposure, ergo the fact that such splicing operations are difficult toperform. a

The construction hereof comprehends the identification photographically of each film strip joined to the continuous master roll, as each cartridge is ruptured by an opener and its contained film is removed therefrom and transported through the apparatus of the splicing thereof to the continuous master roll.

The roll of film removed from its cartridge is held in a.

position where it can be readily grasped byone hand of the operator who, with his other hand, inserts the numbered empty cartridge into the camera of the apparatus Where a twin check number carried on thecartride is recorded photographically on the film when the film from that particular cartridge reaches an appropriate position in the apparatus.

By the twin check system, the number on the cartridge is photographed and the roll is identified with one number while the other number on an identifying envelope remains outside the system, the film and envelope being eventually brought together again following film processing for the identification purpose.

The roll of film is inserted into an automatic transport mechanism of a configuration allowing an edge drive of the film therethrough. A stiffening effect provided by the natural curve of the film is exploited to permit the use of film drive means only at the film edge wherefore no mechanical components come into contact with the delicate image-bearing portion 'of the film so that the image portion is positively protected against damage.

A tab severed from a supply of splicing tape of a heat scalable resin coated type is used tointerjoin the trailing end of one filmand the leadingend of a next-following film, the tab being applied with heat and pressure to achieve a strong bond, which results in an accurately 3,684,623 Patented Aug. 15, 1972 spaced in-pitch splice forming an extra frame that is then perforated for faultless feeding in the subsequent photo finishing machinery. The splicing tape contains an opaque material which will automatically trigger the end-of-order mark system on the usual color printer and on the usual automatic film cutting systems.

Use is made of fiuidics for sensing operations allowing minimization of the number of mechanical components required and achievement of superior reliability with minmum maintenance.

The film is transported through the apparatus along a film trackway by means of a pair of film drive motors, one forwardly of the splicing station and one rearwardly thereof, which drive motors are each of a low speed stepping type possessive of a residual torque to provide a brake function to allow quick and ready and positive stoppage in order to avoid any film tearing by various feelers which are caused to penetrate through the film perforations during certain phases of the operation. Each drive motor is further equipped with a uni-directional clutch serving to prevent any motor back up upon energization or at any other time.

The apparatus is of simple design and construction and provides a fully-automatic apparatus for the in seri-atim steps of severing the trailing end of a first film or leader, severing the leading end of a second film, photographically coding the second film for identification purposes, severing a length of splicing tape from a supply thereof, securing the severed length of the tape to the adjacent butting ends of the trimmed first and second films in overlapping relationship therewith, trimming the tail end of the second film, and stopping the tail end of the second film to await a third next-to-follow film for a next splice operation.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are views, in side elevation, of the apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views, :in top plan, of the apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with certain parts removed for clarity; FIG. 3 is a segment-a1 view, in top plan, on an enlarged scale, of the film served by the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view, in transverse cross section, on an enlarged scale, showing the relationship of the film' and the film trackway of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view, in end elevation, and partly in section, of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic view, in side elevation, of the film take-up reel control means of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a broken, fragmentary view, in top plan, on Q an enlarged scale, of the film take-up reel control means of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view, in end elevation, and

camera, and showing the relationship of the film and film trackway of the apparatus relative there-to;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view, in top plan, of the identification camera of FIG. 8, with certain parts removed for clarity, and showing the relationship of thefilm cartridge thereto;

FIG. 10 is a view, in bottom plan, of the film cartridge served by the apparatus of the invention;

a FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control circuitry of the apparatus of the invention; and

a FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram to dramatize the sequence of operations of the apparatus.

For purposes of orientation, the apparatus, as viewed from the tending side, is seen to have a loading or tending or front. end located on the far left of FIGS. 1A and 2A and a delivering or rear end located on the far right of FIGS. lB and 2B.

A base plate is supported upwardly of a table or work bench W or the like by legs 11. Superposed support plates 12 and 13 are fixed to the base plate, adjacent the forward edge thereof, and support in parallel confronting relationship an elongated lower film guideway 14 and an elongated upper film guideway 15 substantially throughout the length of the apparatus from its tending end to its delivering end, such film guideways being provided with oppositely-facing and confronting elongated recesses 16 and 17 respectively which cooperantly define an enclosed film trackway 18 through which the film may be transported. See FIG. 4.

Recess 17 is greater in transverse width than recess 16 to define a slideway 19 at each opposite side of film trackway 18, along each of which slideways a respective side edge of the film may be slideably moved.

The transverse width of recess 19 is less than the transverse width of the film, therefore to impart a slight curvature or bow to the film whereby the central salient portion of the film, carrying the exposed light sensitive film apertures, is allowed to float through the film trackway, free of unwanted direct contact with the inner surfaces of confronting lower and upper film guideways 14 and 15 respectively.

Film trackway 18 is open at its opposite tending and delivering ends.

The leading ends of the films to be formed into spliced end-to-end relationship, preparatory to the next subsequent film processing program, are fed in seriatim into the open end of the film trackway at the tending end.

To describe the apparatus in a logical sequence, componentwise and operationwise simultaneously, it will first be explained that the major operating components are disposed with reference to the film trackway at spaced stations in series, from the tending to the delivering ends, in the forms of:

film trackway entering guideway 20 end sensor limit switch 21 solenoid-operated cutter 22 front film drive means 24 solenoid-operated feeler 28 solenoid-operated feeler 30 photographic identification camera 26 solenoid-operated cutter 32 solenoid-operated feeler 34 air operated splicer 36 solenoid-operated feeler 38 rear film drive means 40 take-up reel drive means 42, (see FIG. 5)

To simplify the recitation, a first film or leader 9A is assumed to have been transported through the film trackway past various stations to a point where its trailing end is strategically disposed somewhat adjacent splicer 36 whereat it remains to await the advancement of the leading end of a next-following second film 9B into abutting relation therewith, wherefore the trailing end of the first film and the leading end of the second film may be spliced together by the splicer at a proper moment.

The leading ends of the films are fed in seriatim into the film trackway at the tending end, being guided thereinto by film trackway entering guideway 20 appropriately configured with a concavity to impart a suitable curvature to the film for properly feeding the end edges thereof into opposite slideways 19 of the film trackway.

Various of the station components to be described have elements which are reciprocable vertically from nonoperative up position to operative down position according to the dictates of its individual electrically-controlled actuating means.

As best seen in FIG. 6, film leaving the film trackway at the delivering end is entrained about a spool 43 rotatably mounted adjacent the delivering end, is entrained about a pair of take-up arms spools 44 and 45 disposed upwardly of the film trackway, and is passed to a take-up reel 46, which take-up reel may be manually removed when it has taken up the desired number of spliced-together films in the form of a continuous master roll.

The take-up reel is releasably fixed to a shaft 47 journalled in and extending through an upright wall 48, and take-up arm spool 45 is fixed to a spool shaft 49 also journalled in and extending through wall 48.

A take-up arm 50 pivoted at one end to spool shaft 49, and disposed between spool 44 and wall 48, carries spool 45 at its opposite free end, spool 44 being mounted for rotation relative to a pivot pin 51 extending outwardly from the take-up arm.

As film is driven through the film trackway, slack in the film allows take-up arm 50 to pivot relative to wall 48 whereby the free end of the take-up arm and spool 44 are raised.

When the arm reaches the top of its stroke, spool 44 is disposed in the position shown in phantom in FIG. 6, thereby taking up any slack in the film.

A switch actuator arm 52, (see FIGS. 5 and 7), fixed to the inner end of spool shaft 49 inwardly of wall 48, rotates as take-up arm 50 rotates to alternately contact upper and lower limit switches 53 and 54 respectively to control the actuation of a take-up reel drive motor 55 of drive means 42.

Take-up reel 46 and drive motor 55 are interconnected by such as a chain or belt 56 entrained about sprockets mounted on reel shaft 47 and a drive motor shaft 57 (see .FIG. 5).

When actuator arm 52 contacts lower limit switch 54, drive motor 55 is energized to rotate take-up reel 46, and when the actuator arm contacts upper limit switch 53, drive motor 55 is denenergized and the take-up reel is braked, all in manner as will be more fully explained hereinafter. 'As shown in FIG. 4, each solenoid-operated feeler is in the form of a film perforation penetrating finger 58 which, when driven downwardly upon signal is first extended through an aligned vertically-extending opening 59 in upper film guideway 15 where its outboard terminal is in kissing contact with the film therebelow while it probes for a perforation O in the moving film and, upon finding same, is then driven further downwardly through the discovered aperture and into an aligned vertically-extendmg opening 5Q in lower film guideway 14.

A simplified recitation of the sequence of operations to explain the four basic steps in the splicing cycle is now given, reference being had to the block diagram of FIG. 12 which is laid out to show the relative locations of the several solenoids and limit switches and other components with respect to the film trackway.

Components connected by solid lines will be understood to be mechanically coupled; components connected by dotted lines will be understood to be electrically connected, with the interlocking circuitry being here eliminated for the sake of brevity.

The apparatus is there shown and is here briefly described in accordance with the operation sequence, same being broken down into four major operational steps consisting of:

Step 1-Trim and identify step Step 2-Splice step Step 3-Trim tail end step Step 4fiStop tail end step.

In Step 1, the Trim and Identify" step:

(a) The leading end of film 9B breaks an air stream to operate a limit switch 138; (b) Limit switch 138 energizes a solenoid 140 of feeler 30 which immediately searches for a perforation in the film;

(c) Feeler 30 finds a perforation and actuates a limit switch 124;

(d) Limit switch 124 stops a drive motor 92 of front film drive means 24 and energizes a solenoid 150 of cutter 32 which trims the leading end of the film;

(e) As cutter 32 cuts the film, it actuates a limit switch 158 which removes the power from solenoid 150 and starts the photographic film identification exposure through camera 26, not shown in FIG. 12; and

(f) When the exposure has been made, drive motor 92 of front film drive means 24 starts and drives the film to the air jet of a limit switch 172.

In Step 2, the, Splice step:

(a) When the leading end of the film passes over the air jet of limit switch 172, solenoid 176 of feeler 34 is energized to commence the search for a perforation;

(b) When feeler 34 finds a perforation, it actuates a limit switch 120;

Limit switch 120 stops drive motor 92 of front film drive means 24 and completes a circuit to make the splice; and

(d) As the splice is made, solenoid 176 of feeler 34 and a solenoid 76 of feeler 38 are released. When the splice is completed front drive motor 92 of front film drive means 24 and drive motor 82 of rear film drive means 40 start and drive the film until the paster tape moves under end sensor limit switch 21. t

In Step 3, the Trim Tail End step:

(a) End sensor limit switch 21 energizes a solenoid 216 of feeler 28 which begins the hunt for a perforation in the film;

(b) Feeler 28 finds a perforation and actuates a limit switch 108:

(c) Limit switch 108 stops both front and rear film drive motors 92 and 82 respectively and also energizes a solenoid 232 of cutter 22;

(d) Cutter 22 cuts the tail end of the film and actuates a limit switch 234; and

'(e) Limit switch 234 releases cutter 22 and starts the front and rear film drive motors 92 and 82 respectively.

In Step 4, the Stop Tail End step:

(a) The film is driven until the tail end thereof passes over the air jet of a limit switch 172;

(b) Limit switch 172 actuates solenoid 76 of feeler 38 which begins the hunt for a perforation in the film;

(c) When solenoid 76 finds a perforation, it actuates a limit switch 80; and

((1) Limit switch 80 stops drive motor 82 of rear film drive means 40 with the tail end being in a position for the splicing of the next following film.

Reference is now made to the simple two-line schematic wiring diagram of FIG. '11 wherein each line of the diagram has been assigned a number from (1) through (43). For ease of reference, when a particular component is referred to, same is designated by a reference followed by a parenthetical indication of its line location in FIG. 11. For example, a main switch 60 is designated as -60( 2) since it is located on line 2 of the wiring diagram.

In further explanation of the organization of this specification, it is explained that letter A is used to denote a first set of contacts of a component, B to denote a second set of contacts, and C to denote a third set of contacts.

Step 1--Trim and identify The apparatus is connected to the usual main power supply and will incorporate a five ampere fuse 41(2).

Main switch 60(2) is turned to ON position to energize relay 62(6) through the B set of contacts 66-B(6) of limit switch 66(6) and the A set of contacts 70-A(7) of relay 70(35).

The A set of contacts 62-A (6) of relay 62(6) is closed,

providing a holding circuit for the relay and the B set of contacts 62-B(34) of that relay is also closed to energize solenoid 76 (34) so that, as the solenoid pulls in, the A set of contacts 80-A(10) of limitswitch 80 is opened, thus to prevent power from reaching rear film drive motor 82(10).

While the B set of contacts 80-B (27) of limit switch 80 is closed, power is precluded from reaching relay 86(27) as the circuit ahead of the B set of contacts 80-B(27) is yet in open position.

It is then necessary to momentarily depress start switch 88(3) to energize take-up reel drive motor 55 (41) and front film drive motor 92(12).

When the start switch is so closed, relay 94(3) is energized through stop switch 96(3) and, as that relay pulls, its A set of contacts 94-A(5) closes to establish a holding circuit for the relay through the B set of contacts 102-B(5) of relay 102(22).

The B set of contacts 94B(10 of relay 94 also closes to complete a circuit through the A set of contacts 108-A(9) of limit switch 108, the B set of contacts 112-B(10) of relay 112(8), the A set of contacts 116A(12) of limit switch 116, the A set of contacts 120-A(12) of limit switch 120, the A set of contacts 124A(12) of limit switch 124, and the B set of contacts 128-B(12) of relay 128(18), to front film drive motor 92(12).

, Resistor 130(13) and capacitor 132(13) serve as phase shifting components for the starting of front film drive motor 92(12).

Resistor 133(11) and capacitor 134(11) serve as phase shifting components for the starting of rear film drive motor 82(10).

Capacitor (16) serves as a holding capacitor for relay 144(15); capacitor 129(20) serves as a holding capacitor for relay 128(18); capacitor 183(24) serves as a holding capacitor for relay 182(23); and capacitor 223 (31) serves as a holding capacitor for relay 222(30).

Solenoids (17) and 232(33) are 60 volt solenoids. If they remain energized for more than a few seconds, the coils will overheat and burn out. If a malfunction should occur which creates a longer than normal pulse, the coils are protected by appropriate fuses 151(17) and 233(33) respectively.

The equipment is now ready for operational use.

A second film 9B is freed from its cartridge and the operator first, guides the leading end thereof (which is to be eventually spliced to the trailing end of first film 9A) along film trackway entering guideway 20' and into the open end of film trackway 18 at the tending end of the apparatus end, second, manually advances the second film forwardly therealong until the leading end thereof is in contact with front film drive means 24 which is constituted by an upper front idler roll 98 and a verticallyaligned lower front driving roll 99 driven by front drive motor 92, such rolls being disposed on opposite sides of, and receivable in provided recesses in upper and lower film gnideways 15 and 14 respectively of the film trackway so as to be in confronting relationship with each other within a slideway of the film trackway and, with respect to the film, at an edge thereof outside of the image areas with the film being frictionally engaged by and between the rolls and advanced when and as lower front driving roll 99 is driven by front film drive motor 92.

Rear film drive means 40, identical to the front film drive means, is constituted by an upper rear idler roll 83 and a vertically-aligned lower rear driving roll 84 driven by rear drive motor 82, the rolls being disposed on opposite sides of, and receivable in provided recesses in the upper and lower glideways of the film trackway so as to be in confronting relationship with each other within the film trackway and at the edge of the film outside of the image areas thereof whereby the film is frictionally engaged by and between the rolls and advanced when and as lower rear driving roll 84 is driven by rear film drive motor 82.

Referring back now to the film cartridge, following rupturing, the coded empty cartridge 300, is immediately placed in a magazine 301 of camera 2-6 for the photographic identification exposure whereby, uponillumin'ation from exposure lamps 302, an image of the code marking or film identifying indicia 304, (see FIG. 9), is transferred photographically, via camera mirrors 306 and 308, and a camera lens 310 (of conventional design), onto the leading end of film 9B at the identifier and cutter station 32 when the leading end has arrived thereat;

Cartridge magazine 301 comprises a base wall 312 having a cartridge guideway 31-4 on its upper face along which film cartridges are moved.

A spring-loaded detent 316 extends upwardly through aligned slots in the base wall and guideway, with its upper end extending outwardly of the guideway so as to be receivable in a well 3 18 on the bottom surface of cartridge 300.

Detent 316 is pivoted at 320 to the lower surface of base wall 312 and has an integral abutment 322 which extends upwardly through a slot 324 in the base wall so as to be disposed in the path of a cartridge as it is moved along the guideway.

Thus, following the photographic identification "exposure of the indicia on a first cartridge, a next or second cartridge is moved along guideway 314 to depress abut- 'ment 322 whereupon de'tent 316 pivots downwardly and its end is withdrawn from the well 318 of the first cartridge.

Continued movement of the second cartridge ejects the first cartridge from the magazine and the first cartridge drops downwardly through an opening 326 in the base wall into any suitable receptacle.

After the second cartridge clears the abutment, the detent, being spring-loaded, is returned to its normal raised position wherein it is engaged in the well of the second cartridge so that the second cartridge cannot be past the proper exposure position.

It will be appreciated that all the operator need do is place a cartridge on the guideway on the bottom wall and move it therealong. All other operations are 'performed automatically, a distinct advantage since it will be recalled that these operations take place in the dark. Film 9B having been moved into contact with front film drive means 24, the film is thereupon automatically transported further along the film trackway until the leading end thereof breaks the air jet passed through and centrally of the film trackway located near solenoid 150(17) and accordingly operates air operated limit switch 138(17). When the air jet is unbroken, there is pressure in a line 139 from the film trackway to a diaphragm 141,

moved (see FIG. 5), which holds the switch in actuated position. When the air stream is broken, the diaphragmre-' laxes and allows the switch to return to unactuated position. The switch is held actuated by the unbroken air stream when the apparatus is in the at rest state With the main air supply turned on. With the air stream broken, limit switch 138(17) is returned to its rest position.

Limit switch 138(17) energizes solenoid 140(14) through the A set of contacts 144-A(14) of relay 144( so that feeler 30 of the solenoid is alerted to initiate the hunt for a perforation O in film 9B by way of lowering the feeler into kissing contact with the film. therebelow so as to allow the film to continue its advance but yet to allow the feeler to enter the first discovered perforation when aligned therewith. When the feeler doesso enter the discovered perforation, it is driven therethrough and downwardly therepast to cause a depressionof the A set of contacts 124-A(12) and the B set of contacts 12=4-B(17) of limit switch 124. g

When the A set of contacts 124A('12) of limit switch 124 opens, front film drive motor 92(12) is temporarily deenergized, thus stopping'fand hence temporarily stopping the further advance of film 9B. a

Mention is made that if there is no film or leader strip anywhere in the machine, the first strip fed thereinto will automatically go through all the preparation-for-film processing steps and stop with its trailingend in the strategic location at the splicing station to await the arrival ofthe next-following film which is to be spliced thereto.

When the B set of contacts 124B(1 7) of limit switch 124 close, solenoid (17) is energized through the B set of contacts 144 B(1-7) of'relay 144(15) to drive its cutting knife32 downwardly to-cutoff the leading end of film 9B at the correct position and to allow the photographic transfer of the image of the code marking onto the film, as already explained.

Near the end of such downward cutting stroke, the A- set of contacts 158A( 15) and the B set of contacts 158 B(18) of limit switch 158 are depressed to remove power from solenoid 150(17).

When the B set of contacts 158B(18) of limit switch 1.58 is closed, relay 128(18) and time delay device 162(19) areenergized. v

The A set of contacts 128A(1-9) of relay 128(1 8) closes, creating a holding circuit'through the A set of contacts 162A(19) of time delay device 162(19), to relay 128(18) and the time delay device, with the latter now being in readiness for the timing of the identification exposure.

At the same time, exposure lamps 302(20) in the camera are energized through the A set of contacts 128- A( 19) of relay 128(18), the A set of contacts 162A(19) of time delay device 162(1-9), and resistor (20), for the identification exposure.

The B set of contacts 128B( 12) of relay 128( 18) also opens to preclude front film drive motor 92(12) from start-up during the film exposure interval and until relay 128(18) drops out.

.. -When the A set of contacts 158.A( 15) of limit switch 158 closes, relay 144(15) is energized.

" The A- set of contacts 14=4-A(14) of relay 144 switch :the B set of contacts 128- B(12) of relay 128 is still open.

, The B set of contacts 124B(17) of limit switch 124 is opened to establish an interlock circuit so that solenoid 150(1'7) cannot recycle until such solenoid is again energized. v 7

When time delay device 162( 19) times out, its A set of contacts 162-A(19) opens.

-Exposure lamps 302(20) are deenergized and relay '128(18) and time delay device 162(19) are likewise de- 1 energized. The A setof contacts 128-A(19) of relay 128(1-8) opens and the A set of contacts 162-A(1-9) of time delay device 162(19) resets to normal'closed position for the next cycle, additional cycling of feeler 30, of identifier and camera 26, and of cutter32, not'being desired until the next-to-follow film passes the respective stations.

The B set'of contacts 128-B(12) of relay 128(18) closes and front film drive motor 92( 12) is again energized, therefore to advance film 9B 'oncefagain.

Step 2Splice The forward driving of the film causes the leading end thereof to intercept an air jet located near the splicing station, whichair jet controls limit switch 172(35).

Whether the film be a 12 or 20 or other exposure strip, the film advances until the leading end enters the field of the fiuidic sensor.

As the air jet is broken, that associated limit switch 172(35) completes a circuit to the coil of relay 70(35).

The A set of contacts 70-A(7) of relay 70(35) opens but relay 62(6) remains energized through the A set of contacts 62-A(6) of relay 62(6) and the B set of contacts 66-B(6) of limit switch 66(6).

The -B set of contacts 70B(25) of relay 70(35) closes, completing a circuit to solenoid 176(25) and solenoid 178(26) through the A set of contacts 182-A(25) of relay 182(23).

It is here explained that air operated splicer station 36 comprises a splicer head 61 which is mounted on spaced, upright guide rods 63 which are fixed at their lower ends to base plat't: and at their upper ends to a platform 65 which is supported upwardly of the base plate by columns or posts 67.

The splicer is reciprocated by a cylinder 69 mounted on the platform and having its ram 71 fixed to the splicer. Actuation of the cylinder to reciprocate the splicer is controlled by switches as elsewhere described.

The splicer head 61 is heated by heating elements H enclosed therewithin, which elements are controlled by a thermostat 72(43).

As best seen in FIG. 5, splicing tape T is fed to the splicer from a tape supply reel 81 rotatably mounted relative to an upright bracket 85 on platform 65, the tape passing downwardly through a provided opening in the platform, being entrained about an idler roll 87 and a drive roll 89, both rotatably mounted relative to an upright wall 90 which extends between base plate 10 and platform 65 and being guided through a slot 91 to a shear plate 93 disposed immediately rearwardly of the splicer so that the free end of the tape is disposed immediately below the splicer head and in overlying relationship to the upper film guideway 15.

An opening in the upper film guideway permits the splicer head to pass therethrough on its downward stroke so as thereby to press the tape against the adjacent ends of first and second films A and B to join the films together.

Means, not shown, is provided for feeding the tape forwardly from drive roll 89 to the splicer as needed and in timed relation to movements of the splicer and film.

When solenoid 178(26) is energized, it opens an air supply to a vacuum transducen not shown, providing vacuum to splicing head 61 sufiicient to hold tape T in place as the splicing head moves downwardly.

The film continues to move until the feeler 34 of the activated solenoid 176(25), now searching for a perforation in the film, finds such a perforation so as to be directed downwardly and thereby activate the B set of contacts -120-B (22) and the A set of contacts 120-A(12) of limit switch 120, the A set of contacts opening the circuit to front film drive motor 92(12) so as to stop same preparatory to the splice operation and the B set of contacts 120B(22) closing to energize relay 102(22).

The B set of contacts 102-B(5) of relay 102 opens so as to drop relay 94(3).

The A set of contacts 94-'A(5) of relay 94 opens to reset the holding circuit for that relay.

The B set of contacts 94B(10) of relay 94 opens to provide an interlock for the front and rear film drive motors "92(12) and 82(10) respectively, no film motion being desired during the splice.

The A set of contacts 102A(27) of relay 102(22) closes.

Relay 86(27) is now energized through the B set of contacts 70-13(25) of relay 70(35), the A set of contacts'102-A(27) of relay 102(22), the B set of contacts 182B( 27) of relay 182(23), and the B set of contacts 80-B(27) of limit switch 80.

The A set of contacts 816-A(37) of relay 86(27) closes to energize solenoid 198(36), time delay device 200(37),

10 and relay 202(38), the respective ends of film A and B now being properly located as to each other for the splice.

Air cylinder 69 drives splicing head 61 downwardly for the splice.

As it starts down, the B set of contacts 116*B(10-) and the A set of contacts 116-A(12) of limit switch 116 are opened to provide an interlock for the front and rear film drive motors.

Near the end of the stroke of air cylinder 69, the A set of contacts 66A(23) and the B set of contacts 66-B(6) of limit switch 66 are actuated.

Relay 182(23) is energized through the A set of contacts 66-A(23) of limit switch 66 and the B set of contacts 70B(25) of relay 70(35).

The B set of contacts 182B (27) of relay 182(23) opens to deenergize relay 86(27).

The A set of contacts 86-A(37) of relay 86 (27) opens.

The A set of contacts 182-A(25) of relay 182(23) opens the circuit to solenoid 176(2'5) to release same and to set up a holding circuit for relay 182(23).

The C set of contacts 182C(32) of relay 182(23) also close to prepare a circuit for solenoid 216(32).

As solenoid 176(25) is released, the A set of contacts 120-A(12) of limit switch 120 closes and the B set of contacts 120-B(22) of limit switch 120 opens to break the circuit to relay 102(22).

The A set of contacts 102-A(27) of relay 102 opens and the B set of contacts 102-B (*5) of relay 102 closes.

Relay 94(3) is energized through the B set of contacts 6643(6) of limit switch 66.

The B set of contacts 94-B(10) of relay 94(3) close and the A set of contacts 94-A(5) of that relay close to set up a holding circuit for the relay through the B set of contacts 102-B(5) of relay 102(22).

Relay 62(6) is deenergized and its A set of contacts 62A(6) opens to reset the holding circuit for that relay.

The B set of contacts 162-B(34) of relay 62(6) opens to break the circuit to solenoid 76(34) so as to release same and allow it to retract.

As solenoid 76(34) is deenergized, the A set of contacts A(10) of limit switch 80 closes and the B set of contacts 80-B (27) of limit switch 80 opens.

Time delay device 200(37) times out a suflicient time interval to allow for the sealing of the tape and to complete the splice cycle.

The A set of contacts 200-A(38) of'time delay device 200 opens, so as to reset that time delay device, and then that set of contacts closes.

Relay 202(38) drops out, and the A set of contacts 202-A(3 8) thereof open to prevent time delay device 200(37) and relay 202 from pulling in again as the A set of contacts 200-A(38) of the time delay device close again.

When solenoid 198(36) is deenergized, the air flow is reversed so that the air cylinder raises the splicing head.

As the cylinder starts upwardly, the A set of contacts 66-A(23) of limit switch 66 opens and the B set of contacts 66-B(:6) of limit switch 66 resets, but relay 94(3) does not drop, being held through the B set of contacts 102-B(5) of relay 102(22) and the A set of contacts 94-A(5) of relay 94.

Relay 62(6) cannot pull in because the A set of contacts 70-A(7) of relay 70 is held open by the film in the film trackway which is breaking the air jet at limit switch 172(35) to cause that limit switch to remain closed, thereby holding relay 70(35) in.

As the cylinder nears the end of the up stroke, the A set of contacts 116A(12) and the B set of contacts 116-B(10) of limit switch 116 are closed so as to complete the circuits to the front and rear film drive motors wherefor they again drive the film until the trailing end of film B and its carried paster tape signal for motor stoppage.

Step 3-Trim tail end That is, the film is driven along the film trackway until the paster tape at the trailing end of the film is sensed by end sensor limit switch 21(32) so as to activate same.

Solenoid 216(32) is thus energized through the B set of contacts 70-B(25) of relay 70(35), limit switch 21(32), the A set of contacts 222A(32) of relay 222(29), and the C set of contacts 182-C (32) of relay 182(23).

Solenoid 216(32), now being energized, proceeds with its function of lowering its feeler 28 in search of a perforation in the film. As the solenoid is energized, it allows limit switch 226(8) to close, setting up a circuit in preparation for energizing relay 112(8).

The film continues to move until the feeler 28 of solenoid 216(32) finds the perforation so as to actuate the A set of contacts 108-A(9) and the B set of contacts 108-B63) of limit switch 108.

-As the A set of contacts 108A(9) of limit switch 108 switches, it opens the circuits to the front and rear film drive motors so as to stop same and again to stop the film.

Limit switch 108 also closes a circuit to relay 112(8) through limit switch 226(8).

When relay 112(8) pulls in, its A set of contacts 112A(8) closes, completing a holding circuit for that relay and its B set of contacts 112-B(10) opens, creating an interlock circuit for preventing the front and rear film drive motors from starting until relay 112(8) is deenergized.

The B set of contacts 108-B(33) of limit switch 108 closes to energize solenoid 232(33) for driving cutting knife 22 downwardly in cutting off the trailing end of film 9B, at the correct position for the next splice, and in so doing, the cutting knife actuates limit switch 234(30).

When limit switch 234(30) closes, it energizes relay 222(29).

The C set of contacts ZZZ-C(28) of relay 222(29) closes, creating a holding circuit for that relay through the B set of contacts "70-B(25) of relay 70(35).

The B set of contacts 222-B(33) of relay 222(29) opens, deenergizing solenoid 232(33) so as to release cutting knife 22 in retracting direction upwardly and as the solenoid returns to Up position, limit switch 234(30) is opened.

The A set of contacts 222-A (32) of relay 222 also opens to deenergize solenoid 216(32).

As solenoid 216(32) starts its return to Up position, the A set of contacts 108-A(9) and the B set of contacts 108-B(33) of limit switch 108 are actuated.

The A set of contacts 108-A(9) of limit switch 108 returns to the normally closed position, but relay 112(8) does not drop out, it being held by the B set of contacts 66-'B(6) of limit switch 66, the A set of contacts 112-A(8) of relay 112(8), and limit switch 226(8).

When the A set of contacts 108-AC9) of limit switch 108 reaches closed position, it sets up a circuit for the starting of the front and rear film drive motors, although they do not yet start as the B set of contacts 112-B00) of relay 112 is still held open.

The B set of contacts 108-B(33) of limit switch 108 is also closed, but solenoid 232 (33) cannot actuate again as the B set of contacts 222-B(33) of relay 222(29) is yet held open.

When solenoid 216(32) completes its stroke to full 'Up" position, it actuates limit switch 226(8) to open so as to deenergize relay 112(8).

The -A set of contacts 112-A( 8) of relay 112(8) open and the B set of contacts 112B(10) of that relay closes to complete the circuit to the front and rear film drive motors, wherefore they again operate to again transport the film forwardly.

Step 4$top tail end The film is driven forwardly until the trailing end passes over the air jet which operates limit switch 12 172(35). Reestablishing the air stream causes that limit switch to open, dropping out relay 70(35), so that the B set of contacts 70-B(25) of relay 70(35) opens, and dropping out relay 182(23).

The A set of contacts 182A(25) of relay 182(23), the B set of contacts 182-B(27) of relay 182(23), and the C set of contacts 182-C(32) of relay 182(23) are reset for the next cycle.

The A set of contacts 70-A(7) of relay 70(35) closes to energize relay 62(6).

The A set of contacts 62-A(6) of relay 62(6) closes to create a holding circuit for that relay.

The B set of contacts 62-B(34) of relay 62(6) closes to energize solenoid 76(34) which starts its probe for a perforation in the film, with the film continuing its advance until the solenoid finds a perforation, to close the B set of contacts 80B(27) of limit switch 80, and to open the A set of contacts 80-A(10) of limit switch 80 to denergize rear film drive motor 82(10) wherefore the trailing end of the film stops under the splicing head in position for the splicing of the next-to-follow film.

Front film drive motor 92(12) continues to run.

As the film end is removed, limit switch 21(32) opens.

As the film is driven through the film trackway, the slack allows elevator arm 50 to raise and when it reaches the top of its stroke, it closes limit switch 54(40) to energize relay 246(39).

The A set of contacts 246-A(41) of relay 246(39) closes, to energize reel take-up motor 55(41).

The B set of contacts 246-B(39) of relay 246 closes to provide a holding circuit through limit switch 53(39) to that relay.

The C set of contacts 246-C(42) of relay 246(39) switches to establish a circuit through diode 256(42) to capacitor 258(42), current flowing until the capacitor is charged.

As reel take up motor 55(41) causes film reel 46 to rotate, the slack is taken up and limit switch 54(40) opens.

Reel take-up motor 55(41) drives until elevator arm 50 is pulled down, opening limit switch 53(39).

This opens the circuit to relay 246(39) which drops out.

The A set of contacts 246-A(41) of relay 246 opens, deenergizing the reel takeup motor.

The B set of contacts 246-B-(39) of relay 246 opens, breaking the holding circuit for that relay.

The C set of contacts 246-C(42) of relay 246 resets, allowing capacitor 258(42) to discharge through resistor 262(42) and reel take-up motor 55(41), the discharge acting as a brake on the reel take-up motor, stopping it rapidly.

Limit switch 264(37) and limit switch 266(37) function as safety switches.

Limit switch 264 is shown in FIG. 1A. If the front cover is removed, limit switch 264 is opened, and a splice cannot be made so long as it remains so removed. To cheat limit switch 264, so that the splicing head will operate with the front cover removed, is to risk an obvious safety hazard.

Limit switch 266 is shown in FIG. 5. When the supply of tape T is exhausted, an idler roll 268 is released, opening limit switch 266(37) which precludes solenoid 198(36) from operating the cylinder air supply valve 198 (36), and time delay device 200(37), the splice timer, from being energized so that a splice cannot be made until the tape supply is replenished and idler roller 368 is returned to its normal position. Once rectified, the cycle continues in normal manner. I

The cycle may be interrupted at any time that film is being transported simply by depressing a stop button to activate stop switch 96(3).

When the start button is again depressed to activate start switch 88(3), the cycle will resume and continue normally.

13 We claim: 1. A method of splicing the lead end of a second identified exposed film strip having a paper backing fixed thereto as by a paster tape to the trailing end of a first or next preceding film strip, each film strip being of the type having image-bearing apertures and perforations which are in specific relation to each other, which comprises the steps:

introducing the leading end of the second film strip to a film transport guideway,

driving the second film strip through the guideway a controlled distance to a first cutting station, the film being curved within the transport guideway and edgedriven,

cutting the leading end of the second film strip along a predetermined transverse line with reference to the image bearing apertures and perforations of the second film strip,

photographically exposing the leading end of the second film strip for an impression of identifying coded indicia thereon, driving the second film strip further through the guideway a controlled distance to a splicing station,

splicing together the trailing end of the first or next preceding film strip to the leading end of the second film strip by means of a tape member joined in sealed interlocking position with respect to the respective ends,

driving the so-spliced together film strips further through the guideway a controlled distance to a second cutting station,

cutting the trailing end of the second film strip along a transverse line with reference to the image bearing apertures and perforations of the second film strip as determined by a thickness sensor which detects the trailing end of the second film strip by the presence of the paster tape, and

driving the so-spliced together film strips further through the guideway a controlled distance to a stopping station to position the trailing end of the second film strip for the splicing of the next following film.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the identifying coded indicia is taken from the film cartridge which originally contained the film.

3. Apparatus for splicing the lead end of a second identified exposed film strip having a paper backing fixed thereto as by a paster tape to the trailing end of a first or next preceding film strip, each film strip being of the the second film strip for an impression of identifying coded indicia thereon,

a splicing station for splicing together the trailing end of the first or next preceding film strip to the leading end of the second film strip by means of a heat- Setting adhesive tape member joined in sealed interlocking position with respect. to the respective ends,

a sensor for detecting the trailing end of the second film strip according to the increased thickness thereof as indicated by the presence of the paster tape,

a second cutting station actuated by the sensor for cutting the trailing end of the second film strip along a transverse line with reference to the image hearing apertures and perforations of the film strip,

a stopping station for positioning the trailing end of the second film strip for the splicing of the next following film.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, including fluidic 3O sensors along the film transport guideway for delivering intelligence to the film strip driving means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the film strip driving means comprises a pair of synchronous stepping motors, with a motor driving each film strip.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,152,227 10/1964 Durio l56-506 X 3,485,094 12/1969 Simpson 156-502 X 3,577,302 5/1971 Szakacs l56-504 BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner J. J. DEVITI, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X..R. 156-506 

